| Author | Message | ||
     ross kowalski Grand Master Username: cdfpw Post Number: 719 Registered: 11-2015 |
I have some Austin Mini questions. 1. Is there typically a spring guide in the shifter mechanism to keep the lever out of reverse? 2. There is a spacer between the inner and outer rear wheel bearings. The rear bearings always seem a little loose. Normal? 3. I had some scrubbing between the tire and one of the rear swing arms. How close should the tire be to the swing arm at rest? 4. Is 4.5 psi an OK boost # for stock engine with stock pistons, 8.3:1, and standard ring gaps? 5.Does the Master cylinder self bleed? I put in a dual diameter dual circuit one. Also does the mini use a residual pressure valve? Pressure on that? Tha | ||
| Patrick Lockyer. Grand Master Username: pat_lockyer Post Number: 1789 Registered: 9-2004 |
Hi Ross, what year and model is the mini. many variations over the years. If I can find the workshop manuals! | ||
| ross kowalski Grand Master Username: cdfpw Post Number: 720 Registered: 11-2015 |
Thanks Patrick, It's mostly a 73 mkIII 998, though it's been through the ringer. | ||
| Patrick Lockyer. Grand Master Username: pat_lockyer Post Number: 1791 Registered: 9-2004 |
Ross, Yes spring with plunger etc, many variations. This is a late type.  Taper bearings fitted no spacer. BTW many folk over tighten them with a short working life. Wheel clearance should be the same, all according to tyre size but they do bend if a kerb is hit hard. BTW the swing arm radius bushes do wear also the trumpet ball and swivel. Master cylinder will have to be bled and a pressure compensating valve fitted due to the FWD and engine lump all up front.  IMO 4.5lbs boost should be ok if all else is ok. What type of booster, belt drive, electric or turbo. | ||
| ross kowalski Grand Master Username: cdfpw Post Number: 721 Registered: 11-2015 |
Patrick, you are the man. I have no spring guide, looks like I will have to be in there. At least it looks like it is an in/under car affair. The spacers seemed a little odd to me on the wheels as the bearings had a castle nut. They should come out easy. I probably have a bent swing arm. I'll look at the other swing arm and compare the clearance with it and see if it needs bending. If it does, I'll just bend it back with the blackhawk frame bender. I'll try and photograph that if need to do it. Looks like no residual pressure valves, I guess I will just have to bleed it better. The boost might be coming from a 300cc roots blower. I am a little busy with other projects right now but If the blower packages without modification to the hood I might get too it in April. Thanks again. | ||
| ross kowalski Grand Master Username: cdfpw Post Number: 727 Registered: 11-2015 |
The new super charger  | ||
| ross kowalski Grand Master Username: cdfpw Post Number: 729 Registered: 11-2015 |
Oh yeah, this too.  | ||
| Patrick Lockyer. Grand Master Username: pat_lockyer Post Number: 1795 Registered: 9-2004 |
Ross, the sound is on song is just great. tps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBPATYryMSc I have some 1275cc units and they have the extra head stud by the thermostat!. | ||
| ross kowalski Grand Master Username: cdfpw Post Number: 730 Registered: 11-2015 |
I was going to buy a 1275 metro engine and supercharge that but getting shipping at a reasonable price is a trick. The engines are cheap enough. I don't want the car off the road so I'll probably build up a motor of some kind out of the car then swap it in. | ||
| ross kowalski Grand Master Username: cdfpw Post Number: 733 Registered: 11-2015 |
Patrick, Here's kind of what I am thinking. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohoxO7G-M3I | ||
| ross kowalski Grand Master Username: cdfpw Post Number: 734 Registered: 11-2015 |
Or this, but the blow through nature of this install means tricks. Also, it has BOVs on it which I don't understand. https://youtu.be/DN1NGfwVMSY?t=14 | ||
| Patrick Lockyer. Grand Master Username: pat_lockyer Post Number: 1800 Registered: 9-2004 |
Ross, as I see it the use of these valves was mostly on the turbos as blow off valves However for positive displacement type supercharger use the ["Go faster bits"] valve comes into play when the throttle is lifted preventing pressure build up between the supercharger and throttle. At idle it is open, this allows the supercharger to freewheel. Maybe if two valves are fitted one could be plumbed in and set for max boost pressure. Sounding like the turbo dump valve.[what a sound] | ||
| ross kowalski Grand Master Username: cdfpw Post Number: 736 Registered: 11-2015 |
Patrick, I think I'll be skipping the BOV. I fixed the reverse by putting the bottom plate back on the shift box correctly. I had it installed upside down so the gate was on the outside. Ooops. I removed the spacers that were between the inner and outer bearings and readjusted them normally. I took photos of the spacers because it was so weird. Who knows. Thanks again, | ||
| ross kowalski Grand Master Username: cdfpw Post Number: 813 Registered: 11-2015 |
getting ready for a mission.  | ||
| ross kowalski Grand Master Username: cdfpw Post Number: 814 Registered: 11-2015 |
All systems go   | ||
| ross kowalski Grand Master Username: cdfpw Post Number: 815 Registered: 11-2015 |
Western NY state looking like a post card.  | ||
| ross kowalski Grand Master Username: cdfpw Post Number: 816 Registered: 11-2015 |
Aaah Chicago, getting close.  | ||
| ross kowalski Grand Master Username: cdfpw Post Number: 817 Registered: 11-2015 |
Now we're talking...  | ||
| ross kowalski Grand Master Username: cdfpw Post Number: 818 Registered: 11-2015 |
The spare didn't fit in the back so it gets to ride shotgun with some trip garbage.  | ||
| ross kowalski Grand Master Username: cdfpw Post Number: 819 Registered: 11-2015 |
Seriously, Hamburg NY state has a water tower shaped like a hamburger and they don't paint it to look like a hamburger ????  | ||
| ross kowalski Grand Master Username: cdfpw Post Number: 820 Registered: 11-2015 |
Nothing like a new mini in the driveway.  Now, how do I get that unloaded? | ||
| Vladimir Ivanovich Kirillov Grand Master Username: soviet Post Number: 983 Registered: 2-2013 |
OK I get it, you don't have four Russians to lift it out of the back of the ute, you being in Uncle SsSam's land. 1. Put a fist full of C4 between the back of the cab and the front of the mini. Take 2 shots of Vodka and wait for the initial rush. Depress detonator button. 2. Use bucket machine to build up dirt mount. Push mini out. I had to work on these ghastly horrid vehicles for too long therefore three. 3. Put ten sticks of gelignite under mini. Take four hits of vodka and two joynts of LEGAL Canadian Skunk weed. Ignite jelly. 4. Purchase 1965 Buick Riviera then marvel on Cranberry Spirit! | ||
| ross kowalski Grand Master Username: cdfpw Post Number: 824 Registered: 11-2015 |
Vlad, Skunk weed is legal where I live as well so maybe 3, but also maybe ramps to the nearest equipment trailer. | ||
| ross kowalski Grand Master Username: cdfpw Post Number: 827 Registered: 11-2015 |
       | ||
| ross kowalski Grand Master Username: cdfpw Post Number: 828 Registered: 11-2015 |
    Thanks to gravity, painless. | ||
| ross kowalski Grand Master Username: cdfpw Post Number: 829 Registered: 11-2015 |
Also, did Australian Minis have quarter glass on the doors? | ||
| Patrick Ryan Grand Master Username: patrick_r Post Number: 1957 Registered: 4-2016 |
Hi Ross, They had sliding windows from the launch, but very early on after this, the Australian built Mini's went to wind up windows. We were the first to do this on a Mini. Gotta hand it to you, You love a roof rack Ross  | ||
| Maxwell Heazlewood Prolific User Username: tasbent Post Number: 209 Registered: 9-2017 |
1965 saw the advent of wind up windows with opening 1/4 windows on the Mini Delux and the Mini Cooper-S. Bought my first Mini in 1967....it had a radio and a heater!  | ||
| ross kowalski Grand Master Username: cdfpw Post Number: 831 Registered: 11-2015 |
Maxwell, A radio, heresy. Patrick, I'll have roof racks on soon. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TA4b7Ohk-3g | ||
| Harry Heuchan Frequent User Username: harry_heuchan Post Number: 58 Registered: 4-2010 |
Ross, I thought you might like these pictures taken today at my friends house. He uses the Yellow one daily and the Mini Cooper S on regular occasions. He has owned both for many years. I know they use the same Lucas gearbox on part of the wiper mechanism as I have been there, done that.      | ||
| ross kowalski Grand Master Username: cdfpw Post Number: 832 Registered: 11-2015 |
Harry, A grocery getter ( estate) with racks I would daily drive that as well I think. Thanks for the pics. Sadly precious few estate minis found their way to the states. I think the deal is when people started buying small cars here, Austin wasn't in a position to get a fedralized model approved. It would have been hideous with big foam bumpers and a giant catalytic converter. | ||
| Patrick Lockyer. Grand Master Username: pat_lockyer Post Number: 1899 Registered: 9-2004 |
Ross, nice early rust free motor you have. What series is it or chassis no. The wheels are an acquired taste! | ||
| ross kowalski Grand Master Username: cdfpw Post Number: 833 Registered: 11-2015 |
Patrick, It's a 1960. The body is original, un-repaired, and rust free. The engine is a 1380 made from a Austin America with all kinds of go faster mods. It really scoots. The gearbox was converted to rod change. The previous owner cut the front off the install a fiberglass unit which I will have to weld back on. Also there are no wires in the car, but that's why it was cheap. The wheels aren't really my first choice, but they are 13" and clear the bigger rotors no problem. I'll post some pics of it driving. | ||
| ross kowalski Grand Master Username: cdfpw Post Number: 836 Registered: 11-2015 |
What are these?  | ||
| Vladimir Ivanovich Kirillov Grand Master Username: soviet Post Number: 1003 Registered: 2-2013 |
Ross, no idea. Perhaps something to do with rear axles. Try emailing the photos at sales@minisport.com.au. They should know what part they are if they are a mini part at all. | ||
| Patrick Lockyer. Grand Master Username: pat_lockyer Post Number: 1902 Registered: 9-2004 |
Have dealt with these in the past but the memory is failing, maybe a seal or felt retaining collar on rack or top column steering joint. Maybe on a different model though! | ||
| ross kowalski Grand Master Username: cdfpw Post Number: 837 Registered: 11-2015 |
Patrick and Vladimir, The mini actually came with service manuals I will look at the diagrams. | ||
| ross kowalski Grand Master Username: cdfpw Post Number: 838 Registered: 11-2015 |
Welded the front clip back on this afternoon.   | ||
| ross kowalski Grand Master Username: cdfpw Post Number: 843 Registered: 11-2015 |
The Red mini "restoration" is "complete"  Got a plate and roof racks on it so we are legal and ready for work. Still a lot of little jobs the biggest is an alignment and install the binnacle for the speedo which is currently just sitting in the parcel tray! | ||
| ross kowalski Grand Master Username: cdfpw Post Number: 844 Registered: 11-2015 |
Forgot to add North American license plates are so tall that they function as distributor splash guards if fitted to the grill. | ||
| ross kowalski Grand Master Username: cdfpw Post Number: 954 Registered: 11-2015 |
Oh oo, check engine light is on in the red mini.  | ||
| Vladimir Ivanovich Kirillov Grand Master Username: soviet Post Number: 1359 Registered: 2-2013 |
Shoot it with a Desert Eagle hand gun. Problem over! | ||
| ross kowalski Grand Master Username: cdfpw Post Number: 963 Registered: 11-2015 |
Vlad, It's America, you could shoot it with many other pistols as well. I'm just going to use the alternate technique of blocking the view of it with my giant 1L coffee cup. Seriously though, a K frame Smith in 32-20 firing something mild would be fine, though the brass is not as easy to get in the last 60 years. | ||
| ross kowalski Prolific User Username: cdfpw Post Number: 1332 Registered: 11-2015 |
So, With covid-19 putting us all into long term project mode I finally got to swapping the gearbox on the red mini. The syncros in first a second were thrashed. I bought a A+ ( later ) series transmission which was not only rebuilt to hooligan spec, it was cheap for a mini in the states. I had to put new drop gears in and get a few gaskets, but other than that it was a drop in. I am supposed to be installing it in the car today but have to check some dimensions on the early and late motor mounts before preceeding.  | ||
| Patrick Lockyer. Grand Master Username: pat_lockyer Post Number: 2279 Registered: 09-2004 |
Ross, most important to do the end float tolerance on the drop gears, done loads years ago. If setup is incorrect the bearings fail with the horrible high pitch noise. Damage to the cover and gears, with the same oil running in the engine and g/box other probs will present them selves . | ||
| Benoit Leus Frequent User Username: benoitleus Post Number: 408 Registered: 06-2009 |
Hi Ross, it's good to see a lot of us now have time to tackle those projects. That whole Covid situation has at least one positive side-effect. I'll probably be driving the Midget this summer as I can now work on it full-time (when my wife isn't giving me some chores to do). Keep safe and I hope you see you next year. Benoit | ||
| ross kowalski Prolific User Username: cdfpw Post Number: 1333 Registered: 11-2015 |
Patrick, As I don't know really anything about minis I consulted 7 mini in California (and I needed some parts for the A engine to A+ transmission swap. I put the gasket I would be using and torqued it down to spec the measured .005 which close to the .003 that is required but a little on the loose side. Better .002 loose then .002 tight! Benoit, It will be good to have the midget on the road, especially with the v-tec conversion. Oops, sorry that would be Brecht's midget.  I installed the hi-lo trumpets that came with the car at the same time, because why not. Turns out that was overdue. | ||
| Patrick Lockyer. Grand Master Username: pat_lockyer Post Number: 2281 Registered: 09-2004 |
Ross sounds like your on the ball, well done. On the subject of the trumpets front and rear. Now would maybe a good time to do a coil spring mod. The ride is vastly improved. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLI5id-I-go | ||
| ross kowalski Prolific User Username: cdfpw Post Number: 1334 Registered: 11-2015 |
Patrick, You are right ... But. The red mini in fact already has springs. They are these I think. These springs come in three flavors blue (soft), red, and green (hard). My red mini of course has green. The ride is decidedly harsher than the other cars both of which are riding on rubber. The handling is better but the ride is comically harsh. | ||
| Patrick Ryan Grand Master Username: patrick_r Post Number: 2201 Registered: 04-2016 |
Hi Ross. Good to see you’re still going on the Mini. Hope you and the family are staying safe over there. We need some good projects while we are in lockdown. I have 2 I am keeping busy with also. | ||
| ross kowalski Prolific User Username: cdfpw Post Number: 1336 Registered: 11-2015 |
Patrick, What are you working on? I just bought a couple cars today in case we go full lockdown here. | ||
| Omar M. Shams Prolific User Username: omar Post Number: 1963 Registered: 04-2009 |
two more minis Ross? | ||
| Benoit Leus Frequent User Username: benoitleus Post Number: 409 Registered: 06-2009 |
At least you know your priorities, Ross. While most people are stockpiling toilet paper and canned food, you buy 2 cars. Top man ! | ||
| ross kowalski Prolific User Username: cdfpw Post Number: 1338 Registered: 11-2015 |
Omar, A 1965 Ford F100 and a 59 Edsel Ranger, the f100 is a rust free unit from South Carolina and the Ranger is a total hooptie. Stay healthy, | ||
| Omar M. Shams Prolific User Username: omar Post Number: 1965 Registered: 04-2009 |
Are Edsels rare cars? I always thought they were. I used to have a 1959 F100. great cars | ||
| Patrick Ryan Grand Master Username: patrick_r Post Number: 2203 Registered: 04-2016 |
Hi Ross. A 1959 Holden, pretty ordinary stuff here. But a one owner survivor car, but a real gem I came across, that I think Omar will like as well, is a 1969 RT40 Toyota Corona (yes unfortunate name I know) This is also a survivor and the best I have ever seen. Been in a shed for nearly 30:years. | ||
| ross kowalski Prolific User Username: cdfpw Post Number: 1340 Registered: 11-2015 |
Omar, Edsels are sort of rare in that they only made them for a few years and didn't sell many. The name Edsel is used in the states to represent anything that was a flop or hideously ugly. Patrick, I had to look up the Corona, neat little car. | ||
| Patrick Ryan Grand Master Username: patrick_r Post Number: 2205 Registered: 04-2016 |
Yes mate, Pretty neat. I have never even sat in one before I came across this little car. Very cool. I am surprised at some of the tech on this car considering it first appeared in 1964. Very nice twin barrel auto choke carby, and very high quality electrics. Very high quality vinyl and carpets, door hardware very high quality, and very well built. I guess this is where the legendary Toyota quality started. Very advanced for its day compared to our biggest selling cars here in Australia, considering their carbies and electrics really hadn’t evolved much since they were first introduced here in 1948. | ||
| Omar M. Shams Prolific User Username: omar Post Number: 1966 Registered: 04-2009 |
I love the old Japanese cars and bikes. The foundations of all our modern day cars are those 60s and 70s Japanese machines. The 69 Corona brings lots of memories of taxis when I was a young boy here in Dubai. | ||
| Patrick Ryan Grand Master Username: patrick_r Post Number: 2206 Registered: 04-2016 |
I haven’t had much to do with the older Japanese cars Omar. I have seen pics of your Celica, and have always admired it. When a friend of a friend told me about this I couldn’t resist. Something different, and the first modern design Toyota made.  | ||
| David Gore Moderator Username: david_gore Post Number: 3650 Registered: 04-2003 |
Patrick, You are a "glutton for punishment" - how do you get away with this without upsetting the "domestic goddess"? Good choice of model as these have been largely overlooked by the usual suspects besotted by local, European and American cars.  | ||
| Patrick Ryan Grand Master Username: patrick_r Post Number: 2207 Registered: 04-2016 |
I think she hasn’t noticed that large thing under the tarp in the corner of the shad David  Let’s hope she doesn’t get suspicious Yes, Never even sat in one of these in my life mate, but a true survivor. As new inside. | ||
| ross kowalski Prolific User Username: cdfpw Post Number: 1341 Registered: 11-2015 |
Patrick, NICE. Those never made it to the states which is too bad. We did have the Datsun 510 which had all sorts of modern touches like independent suspension and the like. | ||
| Patrick Ryan Grand Master Username: patrick_r Post Number: 2209 Registered: 04-2016 |
These were also made here in Oz Ross. The same company assembled Mercedes Benz and some other American cars. Hard to think this car is 51 years old. The interior is how is was driven into the shed 25 years ago. I haven’t cleaned anything. All it had on it was a heavy tarp. It has 101,000 miles on the clock, and the only real damage is the crack in the dash pad in the last pic. The tyres are dated 1980      | ||
| Omar M. Shams Prolific User Username: omar Post Number: 1968 Registered: 04-2009 |
OMG that is a true masterpiece Patrick. You are very lucky to have this car in such great condition. They are getting very rare. Ross, To your surprise the Corona is available in the USA and I came close to buying two in the last few years. The American spec cars were mainly automatic. here was one of them...https://www.copart.com/lot/28058078/Photos | ||
| Omar M. Shams Prolific User Username: omar Post Number: 1969 Registered: 04-2009 |
and here is another....https://www.copart.com/lot/44082119/Photos | ||
| Patrick Ryan Grand Master Username: patrick_r Post Number: 2210 Registered: 04-2016 |
Wow Omar, Didn’t know they had them in the USA. THE 2 door is very cool. That second 4 door, has really been neglected, what a shame. Yes mate. Quite an unusual car here in Oz now Omar. Pretty much never see them, even at car show or coffee & car events. Got her running today without to much drama, full brake overhaul & clutch hydraulics next, then rego check. | ||
| Omar M. Shams Prolific User Username: omar Post Number: 1970 Registered: 04-2009 |
Dear Patrick. You will find that she is a joy to drive. This car that you have bought is a true gem mate. All the best. Omar | ||
| Patrick Ryan Grand Master Username: patrick_r Post Number: 2211 Registered: 04-2016 |
Thanks for your wishes Omar, I’m looking forward to getting her on the road, as I mentioned, I have never ever sat in one, let alone drive one. It will be a real treat to feel what she does & hear it as well, the little 1500 has a nice note as well. I really agree with you she is a little gem, and I’m very glad it fell into my lap. | ||
| ross kowalski Prolific User Username: cdfpw Post Number: 1342 Registered: 11-2015 |
Patrick, I got the Edsel running today but it wasn't easy. Well it was after I installed a carb I assembled from spares. I didn't rebuild anything so the perferated accelerator diaphragm kind of made a mess. https://youtu.be/BfWE23UO0rI Omar, Apparently they did sell some in the US, https://www.autonews.com/article/20071029/ANA03/710290307/after-toyopet-trauma-corona-got-toyota-up-to-speed-in-u-s Relatively small numbers though. Bad part is now I want to find one. | ||
| Omar M. Shams Prolific User Username: omar Post Number: 1972 Registered: 04-2009 |
Hahahaha - you have the bug Ross. | ||
| Patrick Ryan Grand Master Username: patrick_r Post Number: 2212 Registered: 04-2016 |
Good to see the Ford is running mate. Sounds good too. Great write up there Ross. Interesting story for sure. Hey, This will be ready soon, and I’ll be putting it up for sale. Just imagine how a fairly mint right hand drive Corona would be in your neck of the woods mate. | ||
| ross kowalski Prolific User Username: cdfpw Post Number: 1343 Registered: 11-2015 |
Patrick, I think the shipping would be insane, but I think I will be able to fine one locally (in this hemisphere) | ||
| Patrick Ryan Grand Master Username: patrick_r Post Number: 2213 Registered: 04-2016 |
No, I would imagine the shipping would be horrendous. However, I have never shipped a car in a container. Some say it’s not all that expensive. | ||
| Patrick Ryan Grand Master Username: patrick_r Post Number: 2214 Registered: 04-2016 |
The Corona is running like a dream after her 25 year slumber. Just some brake and clutch hydraulics left to do, and 4 new tyres.  I was lucky enough to find a NOS oil filter in the box of tricks that came with the car.  But check this out. Why the hell Rolls-Royce couldn’t have put a drain plug like this in the Shadow’s cartridge canister I’ll never know. Simple thing. This means no oil up to your armpits when doing a Shadow oil change.  | ||
| ross kowalski Prolific User Username: cdfpw Post Number: 1346 Registered: 11-2015 |
Patrick R, That filter drain is a good idea. I'll probably weld one in when I do the RR oil next. Also that Corona looks pretty good where it is, also you could get COVID19 for the licence plates. | ||
| Patrick Ryan Grand Master Username: patrick_r Post Number: 2216 Registered: 04-2016 |
Ross, The Japanese do the best drain plugs in all parts of their cars and trucks. Heavy course threads, heavy aluminium washers. Good solid plugs, that will see many years of service. I was thinking along those same lines. Maybe; Virus Covid CVD019 I’m sure we can come up with a few more. | ||
| Omar M. Shams Prolific User Username: omar Post Number: 1974 Registered: 04-2009 |
i would simply call it V1 RUS. | ||
| Patrick Ryan Grand Master Username: patrick_r Post Number: 2217 Registered: 04-2016 |
That’s very good Omar. I’m hopeless with number plates. |
